First Battle of Dalton

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First Battle of Dalton
Began:

February 22, 1864

Ended:

February 27, 1864

Location:

Whitfield County, Georgia

Theater:

Western Theater

Campaign:

Demonstration on Dalton

Outcome:

Confederate victory

33 star flag.png
Combatants
Conf Navy Jack.png

Army of the Cumberland

Army of Tennessee

Commanders

George H. Thomas
Major General, USA

Joseph E. Johnston
General, CSA

Strength
Casualties

~300

140

  

From Vicksburg, Mississippi, Sherman launched a campaign to take the important railroad center at Meridian and, if the situation was favorable, to push on to Selma and threaten Mobile, in order to prevent the shipment of Confederate men and supplies. To counter the threat, Confederate President Jefferson Davis ordered troops into the area. While these operations unfolded, Thomas determined to probe Gen. Johnston's army in the hope that Johnston's loss of two divisions, sent to reinforce Lt. Gen. Leonidas Polk as he withdrew from Meridian to Demopolis, Alabama, would make him vulnerable. Skirmishing and intense fighting occurred throughout the demonstration. At Crow Valley on the 25th, Union troops almost turned the Rebel right flank, but ultimately it held. On the 27th, Thomas's army withdrew, realizing that Johnston was ready and able to counter any assault. (NPS summary)